𝐃𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐲 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

…𝒕𝒘𝒐-𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎 𝒇𝒐𝒄𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝒖𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉, 𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒌 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒃𝒊𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝒖𝒔𝒆

By Kezang Choden

The Regional Livestock Development Centre (RLDC) in Kanglung, in partnership with the Project Management Unit of the Fleming Fund, conducted two-day training for dairy farmers of Gongthung in Yangnyer Gewog under Trashigang Dzongkhag in September 2025. The program focused on mastitis management, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and clean milk production. It aimed to strengthen farmers’ knowledge and skills in udder health management, which is essential for improving dairy productivity and ensuring milk safety.

The training covered the diagnosis of clinical and subclinical mastitis, treatment options, preventive measures, and the economic impact of the disease on smallholder farmers. Farmers also learned practical methods of milk testing, hygienic collection and storage, and techniques for clean milk production. These practices are intended to improve the quality of milk supplied to the market and ensure consumer safety.

A key component of the training addressed antimicrobial resistance. Farmers were taught about the careful use of antibiotics, the importance of observing withdrawal periods, and the risks of misuse or overuse. Trainers explained that inappropriate antibiotic use reduces the effectiveness of treatment in animals and contributes to antimicrobial resistance, which threatens both human and animal health. The sessions were interactive, with group discussions and practical demonstrations. Participants practiced the California Mastitis Test (CMT), a reliable tool for early mastitis detection, and were trained in on-farm practices to reduce infection risks and strengthen herd health. By the end of the program, farmers were expected to gain a clear understanding of the causes, symptoms, and prevention of mastitis, along with its economic consequences, and to acquire practical knowledge on the proper use of antimicrobials in safeguarding public health.

Sangay Letho, Regional Director of the Livestock Centre in Kanglung, raised concerns about the growing challenge of mastitis among dairy cattle, particularly due to improper treatment practices. He explained that bacterial mastitis is the most common form, with Staphylococcus aureus identified as the predominant species, accounting for 50.5 percent of mastitis cases. Despite awareness programs and veterinary support, he said many farmers still fail to follow the advice of livestock officials. “Some farmers do not administer the full dose of mastitis treatment and fail to observe the proper withdrawal period of antibiotics,” Letho said. “This careless practice can lead to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in the long run.”

Recent AMR surveillance in the region revealed a worrying trend. While most antibiotics were not resistant to bacteria, 71 percent of mastitis treatments had failed. Experts attributed this high rate of treatment failure to incomplete doses and premature discontinuation of medication. The livestock centre has been urging farmers to follow veterinary instructions to ensure effective treatment and reduce the risks of antimicrobial resistance. Mastitis, if poorly managed, not only reduces milk production and quality but also poses wider risks to animal and public health. Officials stressed that addressing the issue requires collective responsibility.

Gyeltshen, the Chairman of Druk Chikthuen Nyamley Tshokdey in Gongthung, said the group currently has 111 members collectively raising more than 750 cows. He explained that the cooperative’s main goal is to reduce dependence on imported dairy products by strengthening local production. Speaking about the training, Gyeltshen said that the participants gained useful insights into preventive measures, udder health management, and practical skills that are crucial for dairy productivity and milk safety. He warned that failure to follow the guidance of livestock officials could affect the health of cattle and pose risks to consumers. Farmers also learned the importance of daily hygiene, such as cleaning cow sheds each morning, and the need to isolate infected cows in separate sheds to prevent the spread of disease within herds.

Members of the cooperative expressed their commitment to attend future training and follow-up programs. They said such opportunities would help them expand dairy farming activities while adopting modern methods that protect animal health and improve milk quality. Gyeltshen added that with consistent effort and support, the group is confident in its ability to strengthen dairy production and contribute to national food security.

An RLDC official noted that better udder health and safe production practices will not only raise milk yield and quality but also provide safer dairy products for consumers. Supported by the Fleming Fund, the initiative is part of a broader effort to encourage sustainable livestock farming while addressing antimicrobial resistance in Bhutan. The program represents a significant step in equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to improve farm productivity, safeguard animal health, and ensure food safety.